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If there’s one thing that the media love, it’s an epidemic that’s going to bring an end to the human race as we know it.
But has their doom-mongering got to you yet?
Do you fear swine flu, or do you think the media has blown something out of all proportions again? (Remember bird flu!)
Leave you comments in the box below…
1. Why you should save your airline socks
My husband and I keep the stretchy slipper-socks some airlines provide. (We’ve gotten them on Virgin airlines economy class and on almost all airlines in business class.)
They’re great to use when packing shoes: Just slip each shoe into a sock and you’ll prevent clothes getting marked by the soles. As a bonus, you’ll have slippers to where when you’re away from home. The socks are machine washable and can last for many years.
Parker Carveth, Encino, Calif.
2. Where to find the best free Wi-Fi hotspots
While working out of my car for more than a year, checking email was always a problem. One day I found out that all Best Western properties in North America offer free Internet access, often with Wi-Fi in public areas. That meant I could write all the emails I needed to and store them in my outbox. Then when I saw a Best Western sign, I just pulled up off the highway, parked next to the lobby, turned on my computer and sent the emails and received any new ones.
Parisa Chico, Bridgewater, Va.
3. Reasons to always carry wet wipes
I don’t go anywhere without individual packets of antibacterial wipes. I slip some in my carry- on or daypack, and shirt pocket. They’re very convenient when you can’t find any running water with which to wash your hands. And because they’re antibacterial, they’re also great for cleaning cuts, and the alcohol from the wipes helps stop the itching when you rub them on insect bites.
Monica Chun, Alsip, Ill.
4. Why you should pack a scale
Few hotel rooms are equipped with scales. So bring your own—the portable kind that fisherman use—and you can weigh luggage before you get to the airport.
Michele Clancy, Richmond, Calif.
5. How kids can have fun and learn on long road trips
In order to keep my children entertained on a long journey, I bought each of them a plastic pencil box and a clipboard to stick in the seat pouches of our car. Before we left home, I filled the boxes with machine washable markers and attached games and puzzles (all free online), to the clipboard related to where we were traveling.
Meredith Cockerham, Rio Rancho, N.M.
When we travel, food often plays an important part in the experience, and a great meal can be one of the best memories.
For me it’s back to Brazil and an all-you-can-eat meat restaurant in Rio side street — just course after course of every cut of meat imaginable (sorry veggies, what can I say, I’m a card carrying carnivore!).
What’s the most amazing meal you’ve ever eaten while traveling?
Describe it in the comments box below…
If you’re paying lots of your hard-earned money to go on the trip of life-time, then you want to be sure you won’t be disappointed.
Here are 54 destinations your fellow Mobal Members found lived up to the hype and blew their minds…
1. Okovango Delta game preserve, Botswana
Paul Voorhees
2. The Pyramids, Egypt
“For man made attractions, I have to admit I did not expect to be impressed by the Egyptian pyramids, but I was. Especially the Sphynx.”
Wendy McIlroy
3. Nile River, Egypt
“Cruising the Nile – indescribable…a fabulous experience with so many sites to take in and to marvel at, and a feeling that some how time has stood still in parts of this beautiful country.”
Donna
4. Sabi Sabi preserve, South Africa
“Sabi Sabi preserve in South Africa where I stood not 10 feet away from 6 Rhinos grazing. Scary but fascinating.”
Joe Favaro
5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
“All of Kenya and Tanzania are remarkable. Forced to pick one tourist site, I’d have to choose Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania.”
Nancy
6. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwa
“Victoria Falls in Zimbabwai during the day with the mist rising hundreds of feet skyward.”
Joe Favaro
7. Zambesi River, Various Africa
“Sunset on the Zambesi River. What a sight.”
Joe Favaro
8. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
“I saw the question and answered it before I saw the answer listed: Iguazu Falls. I haven’t been everywhere, but it was unbelievable and it was my first answer.”
Diana A.
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
“Rio has the most beautiful setting of any city I have ever seen. From Corcovado the city below is the cidade marveloso! I have visited many coastal cities (Sydney, SF, Vancouver, Lisbon, SD, Miami, Honolulu, etc.) all of which are beautiful but Rio is the most spectacular.”
Kervin
10. Banff/Lake Louise, Canada
“Banff/Lake Louise area is a breathtakingly beautiful and fun destination.”
Dee in Indiana
11. The Pacific Rim National Park, Canada
“The Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It is a temperate rainforest with huge trees that are hundreds of years old and an impassable undergrowth — you have to walk on a boardwalk. It feels like you are walking in the time of dinosaurs.”
RM Nishikawa
12. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
“The Galapagos Islands. A naturalist’s dream.”
B. Delidow
13. Machu Pichu, Peru
“Machu Pichu at dawn.”
Erwin Miller
14. Glacier Bay, Alaska
“My favorite spectacular landscape would have to be Glacier Bay in Alaska – watching the glaciers calving is simply awesome!”
Michelle C.
15. Grand Canyon, Arizona, US
“No question: the most jaw dropping spectacular sight (for first time visitors) is the Grand Canyon. For a decent second choice: the approach to Yosemite Valley from Tuolomne Meadows.”
George Curran
16. Lake Powell, Arizona, US
“My vote is for Lake Powell, Arizona. It’s like the grand canyon with water. I’d put Iguazu Falls in second place.”
Gary Christopher
17. Niagara Falls, US/Canada
“It’s really difficult to name just one, but it doesn’t have to be outside the U.S. The Niagara Falls work for me.”
Betty Sheldon
18. Angel Falls, Venezuela
“Angel Falls, Venezuela. The worlds tallest waterfalls as seen from a helicopter.”
Ron Kellerman
19. Glacier Alley, Antarctica
“Glacier Alley in Antarctica, or just Antarctica, itself. All those penguins are so adorable and interesting.”
Fran Roberts
20. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
“Easily it is Angkor Wat in Cambodia. There is nothing like it for shear scale as the many temples cover many square miles. Especially amazing is that the sculptures and rock carvings survived through the centuries in spite of the jungle growth, looters, and the Vietnam War when the US dropped more bombs on this tiny country than were dropped on Japan during World War II. Beautiful countryside and the Cambodians are an amazingly resilient people.”
Bruce Stenman
21. Great Wall of China, China
“Watching the sunrise over the Great Wall of China in Simatai after spending an evening with the village children & parents in Gubeikou Town.”
T&J Piccinato
22. Terra-Cotta Warriors, China
“The Terra Cotta Warriors at Xian are perhaps one of the most amazing things we have ever seen. Just the massive size of the exhibit is impressive.”
T&J Piccinato
23. Dunhuang Dunes, China
Erwin Miller
24. The Forbidden City, China
D. Nadler
25. The Summer Palace, China
D. Nadler
26. Taj Mahal, India
“Without a doubt it has to be the Taj Mahal. It’s one of those mythical places of the world that actually lives up to its reputation. It is absolutely stunning.”
Len Pine
27. Mt. Kanchenjunga, India
“Sunrise view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, near Darjeeling, India”
Erwin Miller
28. Sumba Island, Indonesia
“Villages in the Waikabubak district of Sumba Island, Indonesia with their distinctive thatched roofed stilt houses.”
Erwin Miller
29. Borobadur, Indonesia
“Just spectacular.”
Wendy
30. Petra, Jordan
“Petra – amazing and awe-inspiring (plus its an adventure just getting down the siq)”
Donna
31. Lake Khovsgal, Mongolia
“Traditional Hovsgal Hangard Ger Camp on pristine Lake Khovsgal, Mongolia.”
Erwin Miller
32. Himalayas, Nepal
“I’ve seen many of these places – don’t think I could even start to rank them, although I would add many of the Himalaya views in Nepal (Annapurna circuit, Everest from the air, Machapuchare from Pokhara). I think the one place of which I expected the least was the Taj Mahal – and I must say, seeing it at sunset filled every expectation I had ever had, from high school on. It is everything every dreamer ever imagined.”
Susan Mcneely
33. Gobi Desert, Mongolia
“Another spectacular sight was the fire clifs in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Truly a beautiful place.”
Ron Kellerman
34. Kemer/Anatalya, Turkey
“Kemer or Antalya Turkey is popular with the Europeans but not known to America. The Yacht tour is wonderfull and the sea is turquoise and next the the mountain. Kemer has an international sea port. Not sure how to send picture but the yachts are really neat looking also.”
Therese
35. The Cistern, Istanbul, Turkey
“The Cistern in Istanbul is the most spectacular for me – those Romans could build anything and the Turks have turned it into a spiritual experience. (I do have pictures if you want them.)”
R Schofield
36. Ephesus, Turkey
“Without a doubt I’d have to say Ephesus in Turkey. I had expected it to be really touristy and generic. But I was completely impressed. Incredible is the only word I can use to describe it. It’s one of those places I could return to over and over again and never get bored with it!”
Les Sewell
37. Bora Bora
“Nothing in the nature comes close to the beauty of Bora Bora. Photographs cannot capture the true depth of colors you’ll see as you ride from the airstrip through the lagoon to your resort located on a motu (small island surrounding the lagoon). I remember saying to my wife, “that’s the bluest water I’ve ever seen”, and about a minute later, “no, this is the bluest water I’ve ever seen”. And so it went; for the 45 minutes it took to cross over to our hotel. I must have seen 20 different shades of blue, all more amazing than the last.”
Greg Thibault
38. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
“The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is spectacular.”
Rob Swingle
39. The Tower of London, England
“Some of the sights mentioned above I’ve found truly stunning; others I’ve long wished I could see them. But the place that strikes me as most mind-blowing, strictly in tourist terms, is the Tower of London. Here, you have a precinct steeped in as much history and drama as any acreage on earth; you’ve got the place of beheadings and murders, you’ve got the crown jewels, you’ve got the ravens, an armorial museum, a magnificent Norman chapel, and countless other things worth seeing. If you know British history, you’ll surely find it rewarding. But if you don’t, not to worry; you have your own Beefeater yeoman guard to show you through. These guards, in addition to their official role as, well, guards, are perhaps the most informed and entertaining tourist guides anywhere. They had me in stitches.
You can wander the precinct at your leisure–at least the public spaces, which are many. On my first visit, nearly twenty years ago, I was astonished to find unprotected graffiti scratched into the walls of one of the prison towers; since then it has been covered by clear plexiglass. My first time through I found the names of several Jesuit martyrs in the graffiti. As a Jesuit priest, I felt especially moved by this discovery.”
John Montag
40. Stonehenge, England
“In 2006, I took a Special Access tour of Stonehenge. Before and after regular hours, you can (or could) go on a limited number tour of Stonehenge where you get to go inside the circle. You can touch the stones, stand next to the stones (and see incised Greek graffiti), get incredible pictures. I went on an evening tour and we had 20 minutes to wander around inside and outside the circle. Halfway into our alloted time, the sun started setting and it was so beautiful. When you are up close, you get a better idea of the grandeur and ancient-ness!”
Cindy Thun
41. The Pont Du Gard, France
“The Pont Du Gard Roman aqueduct in southern France near Remoulins is very impressive. You used to be able to walk across the top of it and look down at the river, but I’d heard you can’t do that anymore.”
Bill M.
42. The Königssee, Germany
“The Königssee in Southern Germany is absolutely gorgeous. It is very quiet; you can only ride in electric boats. I would love to explore the area more on foot.”
Pat Branson
43. Acropolis, Greece
“As a member of western civilization, the Acropolis brought tears to my eyes the first time I saw it.”
Kathleen Kelly
44. Santorini, Greece
Paul Voorhees
45. Connemara, Ireland
“It truly is breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful.”
Donna
46. Rome, Italy
“After three trips spanning 30+ days we thought we had experienced Rome, but we were wrong. Now, after two weeks in an apartment on via dei coronari in Rome, we would encourage anyone who wants the flavor of the eternal city to book an apartment in this neighborhood. In the morning hours Rome is all yours, at 8 a.m. I was the only person in Piazza Navona. And the local newsstand chap, and the grocery store clerk and the capucino shop all recognized us on the street ad said hello, one becomes part of the neighborhood.”
Tim Johnson
47. The Sistine Chapel, Italy
Patricia Orlando
48. Orvieto, Italy
“Orvieto, Beautiful 3000 year old town located on a mountain north of Rome.”
Craig Gross
49. Venice, Italy
“Venice, Italy is absolutely the most amazing of the cities I’ve visited – it is a city like no other on earth!”
Michelle C.
50. Sognefjord, Norway
RM Nishikawa
51. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
“Visited WIELICZKA HISTORIC SALT MINE, Krakow, Poland.
230 Km of tunnels through solid rock salt with sculptures including an underground chapel complete with Rock Salt figures and alters.”
Wayne Hadden
52. Krakow, Poland
“All the natural phenomena (waterfalls, canyons, cliffs, mountains, lakes and so on) and many manmade ones (dams, skyscrapers, etc.) are of course wonderful, and we’ve enjoyed many of them in a lifetime of travel on all continents except Antarctica.
But THE most amazing and wonder-full place we’ve ever visited was the old city of Krakow, Poland. The enormous hand-carved, gilded and painted altarpiece (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altar_of_Veit_Stoss) in the immense gothic church on the main square (from the tower of which the recording of the bugler’s famous truncated call that saved the town centuries ago plays hourly) is the most astounding work of art I have ever viewed.
When you add to that the square itself with its ancient cloth market, the nearby castle (fabulously restored, full of ancient furnishings and tapestries, tours available in a multitude of languages), the cathedral (where the former Pope presided), the old Jewish quarter, all the other untouched-by-war medieval buildings, ancient city walls, all in a very walkable central area — plus the ability to take day trips out of town to an incredible underground salt mine and/or Auschwitz (terrible to visit, but important to remember) — and much, much more (see http://www.krakow-info.com/default.htm), Krakow will blow your socks off.
We were alerted by many guidebook writers that this would be the case, and thought we were prepared, but the reality of the place outshone all our expectations. It is a priceless gem, but totally available.
P.S. The food everywhere there was also fantastic–I made it a point to eat something made with mushrooms at every lunch and dinner for the 5 days we were there; never duplicated a dish, and each was more delicious than can be expressed. And all the other food, at restaurant after restaurant, was just as wonderful, not to mention very reasonably priced.”
Cherry C.
53. Lake Bled, Slovenia
“I would vote for Lake Bled in Slovenia. It isn’t spectacular, but it’s beautiful and relaxing.”
Pat Millligan
54. The Alhambra, Spain
“The Alhambra. Good enough for Washington Irving, good enough for me.”
Charles Deahl
When I travel for business, I usually tack on a few extra days to do something active like hike in a nearby national park. I find that by taking two small suitcases instead of a single large one, I stay better organized and less burdened.
I keep my business clothes, papers, and laptop in one bag, and my hiking gear in another. I leave the suitcase I’m not using at the time in the rental car and easily carry the lightweight case with the equipment and clothes I need into my hotel room.
Sherill Berg, Indianapolis, Ind.
You can often use it to save money on the other modes of public transportation.
With a Scandinavian rail pass, for example, you’ll pay less to ride the ferries. In Switzerland, a rail pass can get you free bus rides, as well as complimentary entrance to museums and discounts on funiculars and hotel accommodations.
Scott Berger, Pawling, N.Y.
No longer do the many key chains I get as advertising languish in a bureau drawer. I attach one or two at the ends of my luggage zippers. These extensions help me identify my luggage on airport carousels.
Sandi Brenner, Port Townsend, Wash.
If you take an overnight flight to Europe and early check-in at your hotel isn’t an option, ask the concierge if you can store your luggage until later in the day and use the hotel gym’s shower.
You’ll be refreshed and ready for a day of sightseeing. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Ronda Burk, Celina, Tex.
Need a place for a laptop in your hotel room? Take the largest drawer from the bureau and put it upside down on the bed with the drawer front away from you.
This creates a perfect height desk for while you’re sitting comfortably on the bed (you can even lean back on the pillows), plus there’s side space for papers, and the top leans towards you for easy typing or writing.
Patricia Callahan, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Leave your own travel tips or feedback in the comments box below…
Which tourist site have you visited that really lived up to the hype and blew your mind with how amazing or beautiful it was?
For me it has to be the Iguassu Falls on the Brazil/Argentine border. Truly stunning.
Leave your suggestions in the comments box below…
Last month I asked where you would take the Great American Road Trip, and here’s what some of your fellow Mobal Members said (in alphabetical order)…
(You’ll notice that they’re catagorized in a miss match of states, cities and sites, but I’m sure you’ll get the idea. Also, where someone has mentioned more than one site, you’ll see their same quote repeated under each suggestion.)
See if your favorite is on the list, and if not, add it in the comments at the end…
“Personal favorite, any of the various state campgrounds or small towns in the Adirondacks. Close enough to my home for weekend trips. Soul-calming respites from the rest of the world.”
Ed Tarney
“It’s a toss-up between Maine in the Fall and Alaska. Both incredibly beautiful.”
Barbara Dickinson
“A Road Trip to the Painted Desert National Park in Arizona. Serene, peaceful, kind of spiritual too.”
Pam
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
“Maine coast or N. California coast. Sea to shining sea, and all that stuff.”
Ed Tarney
“Although I am from New England and partial to our coastline and islands for the perfect vacation, I found that my greatest U.S. vacation was driving the mid-California coast in a jazzy little convertible! From San Francisco and the wine country, through Big Sur and Carmel, down to Los Angeles — everything was perfect, including the weather. The Beach Boys had it right: “Fun, fun, fun!”
Mary-Jo
“Vermont or the California Coast.”
Jean
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“There’s so much to see, that there’s no one answer. A perfect vacation is different enough from home to be an adventure, but not so strange that you feel threatened or actually are harmed. That behing said, Redwoods parks in California and Oregon most specifically, but the coastal pacific northwest as a whole.”
R. Keyes
“California and Hawaii coastlines are very beautiful and interesting. I love the Ocean and surfing so of course Hawaii is the best with the warm water. But for urban diversity and surfing LA is unbeatable! Honolulu is second with the tropical diversity and San Diego third with less diversity but the best mainland waves. Adios and enjoy!”
Kervin
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
We would take our dogs and travel to the Eastern Sierra. Our favorite spot is north of Bishop in a campground on Rock Creek overlooking Iris Meadow. Heaven!
Fran Roberts
“Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and region.”
Patrick
“Grand Canyon. Just impossible to describe or appreciate without your own eyes.”
Ed Tarney
“I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon so I suppose that is self-expalnatory.”
Andy Mathisen
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“Although you cannot drive to Hawaii, there’s no doubt in my mind — Hawaii No Ka Oi! (”Is the Best”)
Wonderful weather, year ’round… Gorgeous scenery… Historic sites… Plenty to see and do (especially on Oahu, the major island, where public transportation is so good and so inexpensive that there’s no need to rent a car)…
You’re still in the U.S. but you’re in a truly diverse environment with allkinds of authentic food and cultural events presented by fellow Americans — whose ancestors just happened to hail from China, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Portugal as well as the mainland U.S.
Because there’s so much competition among hotels and restaurants, Waikiki has a full range of high-value, reasonably priced accommodations and shopping.
And, of course, since the good old U.S. dollar is the currency, you don’t even have to worry about exchange rates!”
Cherry C.
“California and Hawaii coastlines are very beautiful and interesting. I love the Ocean and surfing so of course Hawaii is the best with the warm water. But for urban diversity and surfing LA is unbeatable! Honolulu is second with the tropical diversity and San Diego third with less diversity but the best mainland waves. Adios and enjoy!”
Kervin
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“Key West. Leave an hour before sunrise, from Miami and drive down RT 1 as the sun is coming up. Fly back.”
Merle
“Maine coast or N. California coast. Sea to shining sea, and all that stuff.”
Ed Tarney
“Mid coast Maine (hands down) for summer and nothing beats Key West for Feb/March.”
Leah Syndell
“It’s a toss-up between Maine in the Fall and Alaska. Both incredibly beautiful.”
Barbara Dickinson
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Glacier National Park, Montana”
Machell Apple
“Monterey Peninsula, California staying in Pacific Grove, being with the ocean and the bay, prowling over Steinbeck Country.”
Jane
“I love Monterey and the famous and beautiful coastline & history.”
Andy Mathisen
“Combine Yellowstone Natl Park for its animals, geology and excitement with the peace and serenity of the National Bison Range outside Missoula MT. Yellowstone is truly one of the great places of the world, but it has lots of people during prime viewing season. After enjoying the fun and excitement, move about an hour west and find rolling hills and easily viewed wildlife (bison, elk, deer, etc) in an area visited by very few.”
Carol
“Island Beach State Park, NJ.
Nothing compares to the Jersey Shore in Summer. Island Beach State Park has the classic dunes and isolated atmosphere to make for a great day at the shore. While there are the crowded areas near the pavilions, I head for one of the several spots with limited parking and a short walk through the dunes to a more isolated location. Pack a lunch and spend the day. You can’t do that at most shore locations since they prohibit food and beverage to be brought in. You need to arrive early since the park has limited access. Especially come early if you want to get one of the prime isolated parking spots (my first choice). There is a small daily vehicle fee, but well worth it.”
John Beck
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
“New York City. with tickets to Food for Thought lunchtime theatre productions.”
Jane
“New York City would come Third..ain’t been there either!”
Andy Mathisen
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“New York City – hands down. Better than Paris, London, Rome, etc. And if you need a beach break go to Jones Beach on Long Island.Fabulous!”
Bobbie Kunath
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“A Road Trip to northeastern Ohio, specifically Wayne County and Holmes County. Holmes County is mostly Amish, and very scenic and peaceful, a beautiful area for driving slowly. Beautiful farms, horse-drawn buggies, etc.”
Pam
“There’s so much to see, that there’s no one answer. A perfect vacation is different enough from home to be an adventure, but not so strange that you feel threatened or actually are harmed. That be
ing said, Redwoods parks in California and Oregon most specifically, but the coastal pacific northwest as a whole.”
R. Keyes
“I love to go from my Southern California home playground to Orlando and play golf and play at Disneyworld like the big old kid I am, but as you say, the US is a big old place, so there are many, many delightful places to choose.”
Lynn Glover
“I have lived in California for 40 years and traveled all over the world. The Pacific coastline is as beautiful as anything I have seen anywhere. From the Mexican border to the Canadian, it’s one glorious site after another.”
Suzanne
“Any of the national parks along the Rocky spine. Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, etc.”
Ed Tarney
“Drive slowly down the Rockies, in springtime, from Glacier NP to Santa Fe.”
Barry Brill
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“No question. San Francisco.”
David Erickson
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“To the “Black Hills” of South Dakota. In the Spring and Fall there really are not too many visitors!!”
Henry D.
“Sun Valley, Idaho.”
Jane
“San Antonio, Texas.”
Joe Favaro
“Traverse City, Michigan. Especially between Christmas and New Years. Yes, believe it or not.”
Jane
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
“Vermont or the California Coast.”
Jean
“Washington, DC. A concentrated compendium of everything this country is about. As interesting per square foot an anyplace in the US.”
Ed Tarney
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“Combine Yellowstone Natl Park for its animals, geology and excitement with the peace and serenity of the National Bison Range outside Missoula MT. Yellowstone is truly one of the great places of the world, but it has lots of people during prime viewing season. After enjoying the fun and excitement, move about an hour west and find rolling hills and easily viewed wildlife (bison, elk, deer, etc) in an area visited by very few.”
Carol
“We love going to Yosemite National Park in the winter – X-Country skiing out from Glacier Point Road’s Badger Pass ski area to Dewey Point, and overnighting at the ski hut, enjoying the home cooked meals there, spending a day skiing, and after X-country skiing back (a fifteen mile round trip)then shuttle busing down to the valley for a hot bath and restful night in one of Camp Curry’s rustic cabins. There’s always a chance to hike a bit to view the falls of ice (not so much water in the winter)over the stupendous walls of rock, and enjoy the views of meadows and river.
We always finish with an elegant Sunday brunch or just plain breakfast in the Ahwahnee’s huge dining room overlooking Yosemite’s winter meadows.
There’s a train and bus to Yosemite, and, of course, in the park a shuttle bus around the valley and to the ski area, but we like to gather some family and carpool to the valley for this annual adventure.
Advance reservations are a must, whether it’s for a heated tent, cabin or hotel room at Camp Curry, the Yosemite Lodge or the Ahwahnee.”
Gila
Did you agree or disagree with these suggestions?
Or have you got a favorite that’s not mentioned?
Just leave you’re suggestions in the comments box below…
Take along a travel-sized package of Clorox wipes. Disinfect the tray table and armrests on the airplane, and the telephone and TV remote in your hotel room.
William Alabaster,
Rochester, N.Y.
On international flights I used to fumble through my belongings—often having to retrieve them from the overhead bin—after a flight attendant appeared with the landing card, (I don’t know of many people who have their passport number and date of issue memorized.) Now I write all my information on the bookmark of whatever I plan to read on the long flights so I don’t have to dig out my passport. I can then fill out the card quickly—giving me more time to loan my pen to people who never seem to carry one.
Wendy Anderson, Orange, Conn.
Whenever my husband and I get news of eyeglasses, we relegate the old ones to our luggage, along with an inexpensive repair kit from the drugstore. If something happens while we’re away from home, we can hopefully fix the glasses ourselves. If they’re beyond saving, we have the backup pairs to get us through the rest of the trip.
Wayne Babcock, Chandler, Ariz.
They scratch just like any other lens would. Place a small piece of painter’s tape (or another that won’t stick too much) over the lens to protect it from contact with other items in your purse of backpack during travel.
Ursalene Baker, Santa Cruz, Calif. Suzanne Barr, San Diego, Calif.
I’m a gadget freak and I don’t like to travel without things like my digital camera and my iPod. On one trip though, I put my camera down in a crowded restaurant and then, distracted, forget to put it back in my bag. By the time I remembered where I’d left it, the camera was long gone. Now, I attach those kinds of items to my daypack with a lanyard. They’re still easy pull out and use, and they never get left behind.
Susan Beagle, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Got a travel tip? Leave it in the comment’s box below…
At nearly 4,000,000 square miles in area, nobody can deny that the United States is a big old place…
…but where’s your favourite place to take a vacation?
Reply with your suggestion in the comments box below…
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Check out the 100 best places to live in America here >>
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Well next time, why not slow down and take step back in time by embarking on a great train journey, just like the travelers of yesteryear.
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Nothing can take the rose-tinted glow off your vacation memories better than a long drawn-out complaint negotiation with some travel company.
If you do need to make a complaint then you should follow these tips to do it as efficiently as possible…
Check out 10 tips for resolving a travel complaint here >>
So, you hated your English teacher at school, and the idea of having to write an essay now brings you out in cold sweats, but the truth is, if you say to people at parties you’re a travel writer, you will appear to be glamorous, attractive and perhaps a little bit dangerous.
So, stick two fingers up to your old English teacher and prepare for a Hemmingwayesque-style future as a travel writer (hopefully without the same unfortunate ending)…
Check out 50 travel magazines that want to publish your travel writing here >>
